Asiana Airlines celebrates 20 years of service to the CNMI

  Asiana Airlines, the only carrier of Korean tourists to the Northern Marianas, has vowed to continue providing quality air transportation service to meet the growing demands of one of the islands’ emergent tourism markets as it celebrated its 20th last Sunday.

Company officials and staff led the brief and simple ceremony held at the departure terminal of the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, which was attended by airline passengers and government officials who touted the event as momentous for the Commonwealth’s travel industry.

“The people of the Commonwealth are grateful for the 20 years of service that Asiana has provided to the islands,” said Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, noting that the number of Korean tourists visiting the CNMI has increased “dramatically” with the support of one of South Korea’s major airlines. “Thank you for your support and we hope to continue this partnership.”

Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Perry Tenorio said that Asiana Airlines’ two decades of service between Korea and the CNMI is a milestone for the islands and that the agency continues to work “very closely” with the airline and travel agents to stimulate this important market.

According to Tenorio, Korean tourists make up 25 percent of the Commonwealth’s arrivals share, which is also composed of its biggest market, Japan, as well as China and Russia.

“Asiana Airlines is not only a carrier that brings in tourists but a carrier that has been committed to the CNMI for 20 years and we look forward to another 20 years of service to the islands,” Tenorio told Saipan Tribune.

Sung Nam Park, regional manager for Asiana Airlines Saipan Regional Office, said in an interview before the ceremony that their company will not be able to provide passenger service between Korea and the Commonwealth without the “great support and assistance” of the island community.

Park noted that from having just three flights a week in 1992, Asiana Airlines now has 14 weekly flights or two daily flights between Saipan and Seoul via the Incheon International Airport. He said the number of flights goes up to 23 when they have charter flights.

By June, Asiana Airlines will begin its two additional flights from Busan and “I can say Korean market on Saipan will increase more,” said Park. He added that their company also has plans to bring in Japanese tourists from Tokyo during the holiday season.

According to Park, Saipan is “very famous” among Korean travelers because of its reputation as a “family relaxation” destination, which serves as the island’s advantage over other popular and nearby destinations such as Thailand.

Although the economic situation has affected local businesses, including Asiana Airlines’ operations, Park maintained that the company “just keeps on going” by striving to provide better service that also focuses on passenger safety.

He pointed out that if Saipan enhances its hotels and other things that make it a good family-oriented destination, then more Korean tourists will visit the island.

“Thank you very much to all Saipan residents who have supported us. We will continue to do our best to provide you with safe and better service and also bring more passengers here where they can enjoy Saipan’s peaceful atmosphere and nice weather,” added Park.

Sunday’s guests were entertained with local dance performances, followed by the presentation of the anniversary cake, which was cut by Park, Inos, Tenorio, and other dignitaries.

Headquartered in Seoul, Asiana Airlines provides domestic and international passenger and cargo service in various routes in many countries and cities via its 72 aircraft-fleet. Since its establishment, Asiana Airlines is “a company that realizes customer satisfaction and a service that is based on the customer’s expectations.”